Better Together - Special Edition 2019 by Asbury Church

SPECIAL EDITION 2019

TIDINGS

SPECIAL EDITION 2019

TIDINGS Asbury Tidings is a quarterly publication designed to tell stories of lives being transformed by the power of Jesus Christ. You may read back issues by visiting www.asburytulsa.org.

CONTENTS Which Piece to Pick Up First.......................... 4 Let’s Keep Pouring.............................................. 8 Growing Up Asbury ........................................... 10 A Lonely Burden to Bear.................................. 14 Why Should Kids Come First? ....................... 18 We Must Seize the Day..................................... 20 Asbury Committed to Raising up Christian Disciples.............................................. 23 Better Together in a Community of Communities.................................................... 26 Hospitality at the North Entrance................ 28 ATS Serves Servants of Christ........................ 29 Better Together for Generations to Come................................................................... 30 Not My Will, But His Will................................. 32 A Legacy of Love.................................................. 34

Saturday, October 26, 2019 11 am - 2 pm

How I Want to Finish......................................... 36

A safe, non-scary celebration for the arrival of Fall We need you! Do you have a story of what God has done in your life? Please contact us and tell us a little bit about what God has done. We will all be encouraged by hearing stories of what God is doing in the lives of those around us. Are you a writer or someone who enjoys writing? The Communications Department is always looking for someone to do an interview and write a story for us for Tidings. Have you noticed that we’ve been making some changes in Tidings? Please give us your feedback—both good and bad. Email Angie Brashears at abrashears@asburytulsa.org or call 918.392.1119.

Editor: Asbury Communications Department 918.392.1119 or Angie Brashears at abrashears@asburytulsa.org Graphic Design: Belinda Wilson bwilson@asburytulsa.org Photographers: Mark Moore (mark moore.photo.net) Guest Contributors: Lisa Witcher, Kim Renkema, Rob Loeber, Sarah Johnson, Tom Harrison, Dick Read, James Lambert, Lauren Brown, Allison Gardner, Guy Ames, Robert Duran Sr.

A WORD FROM TOM HARRISON

God has accomplished many great things though Asbury. Much of that is due to the faithfulness of people like you—people who believed in His vision for our church and made the walk from the old property to our current land on a cold, sunny Saturday in 2004. Whether or not you were in that initial march across town, I’m writing to you because you’ve demonstrated that same generous heart and a strong faith in God’s plans for our congregation. I want to thank you for that. With your help, we’ve impacted lives far beyond the walls of our sanctuary. Today, we are a debt-free church in a highly visible location with a strong history of helping others follow Jesus. I’m proud of the work we’ve been able to do. But as I edge closer and closer to that day when I’ll hand over the reins to a younger generation, I feel a stirring in my heart. I truly believe He has called us, as a family of believers, to do even better. Together. That’s why I’m asking you to join me in prayer for the next phase of our ministry here at Asbury. Pray for clarity. Pray for wisdom. And pray for a boldness throughout our congregation that others will partner with us in this new work. Our church family is far better together than we are alone. And together, we can fulfill His vision for our ministry. In Christ,

Which

PIECE to Pick Up First By Lisa Witcher

Anna has attended Sunday School her whole life, bunked at Asbury all-nighters, served on mission trips and recently volunteered at Asbury’s BIG week of Vacation Bible School.

Born and raised an Asbury kid, Anna wants you to know Jesus loves you. She feels that so deeply – how much love the Father has for us. She also wants you to know the pain of constant anxiety, depression, feelings of unworthiness, ideas of self-harm and the search for her own identity 4

cause Anna and students like her to struggle mightily – though she knows Jesus loves her. Why do we invest in our youth, the youth like Anna and those who aren’t always as joyous or kind? Because they can carry huge hurts in their young hearts. If Anna hurts so deeply – after being loved so well by Asbury for 17 years and by a family who wanted her and prayed for her – how deeply do our kids hurt who don’t know Jesus? Anna broke into sobs when she talked about Katie, an Asbury youth leader, coming to her house in the middle of the night more than a year ago before Anna sought medical attention for her fears and

her thoughts of self-harm. “That she would love me like that – when she doesn’t have to.” The depth of her pain she described that night was matched only by the pure, radiant joy Anna shared just moments later in our conversation when she described walking into the rooms at the Venue knowing, “You are truly loved. You are Anna Claire; you are a child of God, and you are so loved!” When we watch videos of our youth on missions or during VBS, we see them jumping, singing, laughing and playing games. We see smiles and healthy bodies.

What we don’t see are the fears, struggles, questions and torments from which they are running. Aren’t we so incredibly thankful that the faces we see in those slide shows and videos are running towards Christ?

Fears of inadequacy, questioning self-worth, exploring your identity, and pleasing the adults in your life have always been part of the right-of-passage from adolescence to adulthood. However, today’s

teens receive direct and indirect messages from an overwhelming, almost infinite

number of sources; the number of folks our young people may try to please in any given day is exponential. Be thin! Be athletic! Be smart! Be pretty! Be kind! Be trustworthy! Be ambitious! Be unique! Be like her! Be like me! Be handsome! Be artsy! Be creative! Be quiet! Be bold! Be sexy! Be an individual! Be mysterious! Be strong! Be independent! Be valedictorian! Be fun! Be funny! Be adventurous! Be chill!

BE, BE, BE! The messages, the stimuli never end. Sometimes at the end of too many long days of incessant pummeling from these messages, the hearts of youth break into so many pieces they can’t determine which piece to pick up first or whether it’s worth it to pick up the pieces at all. They sit on the edges of their beds, or in their cars, or alone in Panera and think, “If I just didn’t have to hurt, it would all be better.” Too many of those days with too many of those hopeless thoughts and our kids may begin thinking the only way to not hurt is to not live.

It’s ironic that a child named Anna, whose name literally means “full of favor,” and who has been so loved by her parents, her siblings and her church, would struggle with feeling worthy of that favor. The irony is so compelling it provides us evidence that Asbury’s work with youth literally changes the trajectory of their lives. Much of what Anna felt and feared she kept tucked away, hidden perfectly from those who loved her most.

How thankful I am that Anna could run to Katie and that Katie ran towards her so that today we have a healthy Anna Claire, still unstoppable, still brimming with love for all who enter her circle. How thankful we are to have a structure dedicated to our youth and to have plans for a more intentional building where we can pray scripture up one wall and down the other to silence the voices that frighten, worry or torment our children.

In a world that produces so much noise, a clanging cacophony of endless and meaningless “be” How thankful I am for a very statements, we must continue to have a place brave, Anna Claire, a child of God, where our children can hear, “Be still and know that I full of favor, who is loved by so am God” Psalm 46:10 and see the fruits of the Spirit. many and who possesses a deep, We must create a kid-friendly haven for the days when the fear and the pain are so great that our abiding need that God’s love be children need to be reminded, “For God has not given shared with others. us a spirit of fear, but one of power and of love and of sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7. We must be the safest place our children run when they find trouble.

LET’S KEEP POURING By Lisa Witcher

Braids secured Avery’s sandy brown hair back from her face. Her long legs led this wisp of a girl into Asbury’s library where the noises from Vacation Bible School filled the corridor outside and bubbled over our conversation. Avery smiled warmly as we began, but I soon saw the joy slip from her smile and the sparkle from eyes as she talked about the importance of the youth group at Asbury. “It’s a big part of my life,” she said. “I was afraid to go to children’s ministry, but I want to go to youth group.” It was fear and anxiety that kept a younger Avery from the joy we were hearing in the hallways just beyond the library.

That anxiety, the what-ifs, the constant fearful voice in your head that says, “I don’t feel safe,” is a real threat to many young people. It is often a silent torment, like being stoned with small pebbles, incessantly. Throughout our conversation, Avery spoke about the fears and pressures teens face today; she offered wisdom about social media and spoke genuinely about a call on her own heart. As a small girl, Avery remembers asking Jesus to save her because she was afraid, and she wanted to do the right thing. As she grew and became a middle schooler, she knew faith was something more than just a way to fight fear, but a relationship with a God who truly and completely loves her – just the way she is. She wanted that 8

relationship and prayed a sequel to her first prayer – as so many of us have. “Don’t just be my Savior, be my friend, be my guidance, be my Lord.”

As Avery observed older kids ushering the new teens into youth group, she could tell, “there was something different about them.” As examples of what our faith looks like, she added, “I wanted what they had.” She has taken the opportunity to serve on a handful of mission trips to Kentucky twice and serving in Tulsa once. The mission trips on which our students get to serve offer a healthy activity for our youth. Many attend because friends are attending; others go because the destination looks like fun, and still others may participate because their parents think it’s a good idea. Nevertheless, every child is changed because of the trip and the interaction with the people they serve. Avery had an experience just like this in Kentucky one night. Mark Fowler and the other leaders were praying over the kids, offering prayers of anointment before they served the community. Mark explained to the young hearts listening that one or more of them may feel a tug deep inside themselves that they are called to serve somewhere. Avery’s heart knew almost immediately the Lord wanted her heart to serve.

have a place to be accepted and where someone will listen. At school, we are pressured by stuff that is not necessarily good. Having a home base on Sundays and Wednesdays is really important,” she said. “I have seen lives changed because of Wednesday night worship and Sunday youth group; I have seen kids make totally different decisions from what they had been, and it’s really cool.” With a revered gentleness, Avery named each adult who led and served her as a middle school student. Words like “super awesome” and “so cool” danced out of her heart when she talked about her leaders. And while the words she chose are typical for girls her age, the admiration and sincere comfort with which she described Asbury’s youth were sincere. The tension in Avery’s shoulders eased, her eyes reached for the ceiling and her arms all but reached out when she uttered, “they’re so awesome.”

“As long as Christians keep pouring into each other….” This is a phrase Avery, whose young heart feels called to serve Jesus, used in part of our conversation. Let’s keep pouring into boys and girls like Avery.

Her recollection of this story is as matter-of-fact as the wisdom she offered just afterward. “Of course, I am only 14. I have a lot of living to do. It may be ministry; it may be counseling; it may be something else.

“I see what my youth leaders do. I see how welcoming they are, how full of love and acceptance, and I want to be that for others. I know how it feels to be scared to come. I can make [kids] feel welcome.” I asked this sweet sage what she thought we adults need to know about kids today. “It is really important to teenagers what others think about them. They need to know that they

P U G N I W O GR

Y R U ASB A

M BY KIM RENKE

Proverbs 22:6 tells us to train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Asbury is extremely fortunate to have two exemplary young women on staff who are examples of this scripture. And even better than that, they are both using the foundation Asbury helped to shape in them to help others follow Jesus.

she have a defined future career in mind. However,

Katie Miller, our Student Ministry High School Associate, first came to Asbury

the professor gave Katie further doubt to what her future choices should look like.

in the 7th grade when she was invited by a friend. For Katie, she specifically remembers being at a middle school fall retreat and thinking sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d love to be a youth pastor one day. However, she assumed she would need a seminary degree and her parents were pushing for a typical college experience. As Katie headed to college, she had no idea what major to choose nor did

In college, Katie had an internship with an organization called The Little Light House. She loved working there and she was certain she would work there after graduation. However, her boss let her know she felt the Lord was telling her not to offer Katie an amazing position that had recently become open. Both Katie

she was beginning to see that God had gifted her with a love for people. Katie specifically remembers the first time she verbalized her love for people and her desire to work with them to a professor at college. Instead of encouraging her in this area,

and the director were devastated and confused, but they both knew God’s plans for her life were bigger than her own, so she held onto that truth and pushed through the discomfort of the unknown. Days later, Katie ran into one of Asbury’s former youth staff who let her know of her plans to leave and suggested Katie should apply. She met with some Asbury staff members a few days later to see what the opening position would consist of and to see if this would be a job she was interest in. The Little Light House called her three hours later to offer her a job. Katie prayed about it for a few days, took a giant leap of faith and decided to turn down the offer at the Little Light House because she didn’t have peace about it. Katie felt excitement

for the possibilities at Asbury and knew deep in her heart that Asbury was home to her. The only problem was that she had to wait two months before the interview process even began at Asbury. Many people told her she was crazy for not accepting a job before graduating, but Katie’s

outrageous faith has led her to serving on our staff and leading students to Christ for the last two and a half years. Katie says that Asbury student ministry is where she figured out who she truly was, and this lead her down the path she didn’t dare dream for herself. Along the way there were many parents within the church, small group leaders, mission trip leaders and staff that shaped her into who she is today. She believes

that the student ministry isn’t just the building but it’s a place where she can influence the hearts and souls of the next generation. She now uses her gifts to open the minds of our students toward the Lord and what He is shaping them to be. Katie knows that God can do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV) and is excited that she gets to be a small part of God’s big plan for student’s lives.

Melissa Renkema has been on staff for two years as our Coordinator of Young Adults. She is also the author of the book Kingdom Come. Melissa’s family joined the church just before she turned. She remembers Asbury always feeling like home because she was a staff kid and was at church multiple days every week. Melissa

started interning in Children’s Ministry when she turned 14. She named several children’s ministry staff people who saw her gifting and encouraged her by putting her in positions to allow those gifts to develop. When asked why she is working in ministry she says her grandpa was the influence. In high school, she wanted to be a veterinarian, but she specifically remembers a conversation with her grandpa where he asked why she would want to help animals when there are so many people out there to help. This landed her 12

on the path for equine therapy. She completed college with a degree in Animal Science and will be completing her master’s degree in Christian Ministries from Asbury Seminary this December. Melissa can name many influences Asbury had on her life along the way. She says her small group leader consistently believed in her and empowered the group for their own ministry. She said Spring Break Missions helped develop her love for travel and for serving others. Her mom showed her the value of administrative gifts and their place in the church. Finally, Melissa says that Pastor Tom’s Senior Bible Study was a place she could grow in the Word.

She says Tom has been a great ally and encourager. When she moved home from college, she met with him and not only did he encourage her to pursue

seminary, but he also made way for her current position to young adults. As she studies theology, she recognizes that Asbury Church is biblically sound, and sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blessed to be rooted at Asbury and in the Bible and theology.

Melissa still has a desire to one day combine her love of horses with her desire to serve and develop people, but she says sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in her position because she has a passion to equip the next generation at Asbury. She believes in the power of the local church and wants others to experience what she has at Asbury. She says she gets to help create a place for young adults to be rooted in community and help college students bring Jesus to their campuses. She also plays a part in helping high school seniors

transition to college. Transition is a key word for the young adult demographic. She sees a large part of her job as helping all generations understand each other. She believes young adults need a safe place in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s culture, and church needs to be a sanctuary where they can experience hurts and grow where they have people in their corner.

Both of these amazing young women shine the light of Christ in everything they do. They both recognize how Asbury has played a major part in their spiritual journey and both attribute God for the gifts and blessings they have received. We are blessed that they both returned home to serve their home church.

A LONELY BURDEN TO BEAR By Rob Loeber

Their problem with pornography began as nothing more than simple curiosity. Certainly nothing uncommon for a couple of middle school boys like Todd* and Marshall*.

At the time, they had no idea about the door they were opening or the years of struggle that awaited on the other side. “I was in seventh grade and I saw a meme with the word ‘porn’ in it,” remembered Marshall. “I put the word into Google – something I definitely regret – and then I asked my dad about it. He told me it wasn’t something I should look into which of course, only made me want to look into it even more. That’s how it all started.” Todd was around the same age as Marshall when he started seeing sensual images on various social media platforms. “For a couple of years it was just a few pictures here and there,” Todd recalled. “When I got to high school, I started to look stuff up on my own and that’s when it really accelerated.”

Todd and Marshall were not products of poor parenting. They were not troubled kids. They were not unfamiliar with the redeeming love of Jesus. Both boys attended Asbury from a young age and gave their lives to Christ around the age of 10. They were no different than the countless Christian kids across the country that find themselves in the grip of something powerful and completely accessible. “When my parents were growing up you had to be 18 years old and you had to walk into a store to buy porn,” Marshall stated. “Now, I can pull it up on my phone in just a couple of seconds. Now, you can look at it wherever and whenever you want.” As Todd and Marshall grew older, they continued attending church and participating in Asbury youth events and mission trips.

* Names have been changed. 15

Outwardly, they may have appeared as if nothing was wrong, but the internal cycle of guilt and shame was becoming more and more of a burden.

and so caring. “They told me God loved

At one point, Marshall’s dad found out and warned his son about the addictive nature of looking at pornography. Todd’s parents came across a note he had written – an admission of struggling with pornography. Although a conversation with his dad served as a wake-up call for Todd, it wasn’t long before the temptation returned. Neither Todd nor Marshall told anyone else. The habit lingered. The guilt increased.

Todd didn’t just open up to his youth pastors. He made a bold admission to his closest friends. Todd’s display of courage was the spark Marshall needed. The walls were finally coming down.

“It’s hard to quit because you can keep it in the dark for a very long time,” confessed Todd. “If no one knows, you can convince yourself it’s not really a problem. I did that for a while, but eventually I think the guilt of my sin just became too much for me and I knew I needed to make a change.”

“It made me feel distant from God,” Marshall said. “For a long time it was hard for me to think of myself as being loved by God. I didn’t know how He could love me while I was being so two-faced and holding on to this secret sin.”

The turning point arrived for Todd and Marshall on the same mission trip. While others were standing and singing songs of worship, Todd sat with his face buried in his hands. The weight was simply too much to carry. With tears in his eyes, Todd felt the presence of God. He was sad, broken and excited all at once. He knew he had to make a change.

“I was compelled to tell someone, to expose this secret to someone I really trusted, and so I went to my youth pastors,” Todd explained. “The response I got from them is exactly what I expected. They were so loving

me and was always with me, and they reassured me that they would be there for me every step of the way.”

“I had always felt like I was alone, but that moment made me realize I wasn’t,” Marshall confessed. “I told them I was struggling with a pornography addiction and we just broke down. We cried, we hugged each other and I think we all felt like a giant weight had been lifted off of us.” Out of the raw, honest emotions of that evening, the youth pastors encouraged Todd, Marshall and some of their friends to start holding each other accountable. Since then, they speak openly to each other about their temptations. They pray for each other, exchange text messages, make frequent plans to hang out and even share video games on their phones to signal for help in trying times. “Sometimes all you need is a distraction to focus your mind on something else,” said Marshall. “We trust each other completely,” remarked Todd. “We didn’t know it at the time, but we were all going through the exact same thing. I think the temptation is always going to be there and I’ll still have some lapses here and there, but with the group of people I’ve surrounded myself with, it’s going to get a lot easier as the years go on.” Throughout their process of repentance and recovery, Todd and Marshall have experienced the unending grace of God and the unwavering support of their mentors and pastors at Asbury. They both give credit to the church staff for creating and fostering an atmosphere of authentic love and acceptance. “Asbury has the best pastoral youth staff in the world. They absolutely show God’s light and love in everything that they do and in everything

they’ve shown me through something like a porn addiction,” Marshall stated with confidence. “There has never been any condemnation at all. What I have encountered at Asbury is love and grace in its purest forms.” “From small group leaders to trip leaders, I don’t think I’ve ever had a leader I didn’t like,” Todd said. “They really pour into the kids at Asbury, and they have given me some amazing tools to help me follow Christ and live out my faith. It’s a special place, and I love being there.” As so many teens struggle in silence with afflictions ranging from pornography to drug abuse and a true sense of self-worth, Todd and Marshall have proven the importance of a support system free from judgment and full of forgiveness. Ultimately, their success was found in their surrender.

“I realized this addiction is a lot bigger than me, but God is a lot bigger than my addiction.” “Giving this to God made all the difference.”

WHY SHOULD ‘KIDS COME FIRST’? By Sarah Johnson If you’ve been around Asbury a while, it’s a safe bet that you’ve heard these words before: kids come first. Pastor Tom Harrison says it’s one of his favorite axioms and insists, “If we don’t reach them, someone else will.” It’s easy to diminish the importance of children’s ministry in today’s church. After all, we look at all the years ahead for those little ones and assume they have plenty of time to accept and follow Jesus. Don’t they? Can’t we just entertain them in childcare until they’re teens? Or better yet, until they are adults who can have a real conversation and rarely complain when there are no animal crackers? Our tendency to reduce our investment in children happens so easily I’m sure it’s part of the “enemy’s”agenda; after all, he certainly wouldn’t want us reaching these kids. Putting kids first is strategic. It makes sense. And, we are told in Mark 10:13-16 (ESV), And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the 18

kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

In AsburyKids, we believe kids come first for these three reasons: 1) Because 87% of born-again Christians made the decision before the age of 18. According to a Barna study from 2009 (from which the data above was taken) evangelism is overwhelmingly more effective with children. Barna also notes that the 2009 findings were consistent with similar studies conducted over the last 20 years. But, you don’t need the data to believe me on this one. Ask any group of adults when they chose to follow Jesus and you’ll be hearing about Sunday school teachers, youth pastors and stories of children kneeling at prayer rails alongside their parents. Everyone on my leadership staff at AsburyKids prayed prayers of salvation as children, and I hear the same thing from most of the parents I talk with.

While we know the Lord can reach anyone at any point in their journey, there is something unique about the tenderness of a child’s heart. They just “get it.” While we should never surrender our efforts to reach adults and teenagers, we must also pay heed to where many of our converts are coming from: the runny-nosed, wiggly, snack-loving part of our congregations. Barna also noted that adults who became Christians before the age of 13 are far more likely to describe themselves as being “deeply spiritual” and committed to their faith. Those who do so before the age of 18 are more likely to have a biblical view of God, to pursue spiritual disciplines like scripture reading, and to engage in lifestyle evangelism.

2) Because Jesus loved kids. I’m very confident that in His time on Earth, Jesus was a kid person. The kind of person who naturally got on a child’s level when he spoke to them, who listened with exuberance to their silly stories, played endless games of tag and pulled denarii from behind little ears. I think of some of the volunteers in AsburyKids who are surrounded by children from the moment they walk through the door. I think Jesus was like that. Consider the exchange in Mark when kids were flocking to Jesus “so that He might touch them.” (The use of the word “touch” makes me chuckle here, as I’m quite sure that by that phrase Mark meant they were fighting for a spot on his lap, latching onto his neck for piggy-back rides or giving the kind of sloppy kid-kisses that make you certain that they just gave you the flu.) The disciples were out of patience and scolded them, which also makes me wonder how often they had to wait for the kiddos to clear before they could move on. The Bible then goes on to say that Jesus was not just annoyed, but “indignant” with them for hindering the children from coming to Him. The passage finishes by telling us that Jesus took the children directly into His arms and began blessing them. And if that’s not enough for you, we can look at when Jesus said point-blank that no one could enter the kingdom of heaven without becoming like a child (Matthew 18: v1-5), when He told the crowds at the Sermon on the Mount that it would better for them to be drowned in the depths of the sea than cause a child to stumble, (Matthew 18: v6) or that one of only three people that Jesus resurrected on Earth was a little girl

(Luke 8: v40-56). If we want to be like Jesus, we should put kids first. He certainly did.

3) Because they are the Church. It’s a bit of a pet peeve of mine when I hear someone say that kids are “the church of tomorrow.” When does someone become part of God’s church? I don’t think there’s anything in the Bible about needing to be 18 years old first.

The truth is that children and students are vital parts of the body of Christ well before they are tall enough to see over the altar. Children’s ministry is my full-time job, and yet every child I know has infinitely more influence and access to unchurched children than I ever will. Many times, our AsburyKids are the most enthusiastic tithers in the building, the most excited to come to church and the most curious about what the Bible really says. I can’t tell you how many times a child has put me to shame with their profound understanding of who God is. I once told the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4) only to have a child raise a hand midway through my sermon and say, “You know Miss Sarah, I think that the Samaritan woman is really all of us.” Whew. When’s the last time we’ve thought that critically about a Bible story? In one sentence, that child gave my entire sermon.

When I hear things like that, it’s no wonder to me that God loves and values children so much. I believe wholeheartedly that they are worth every ounce of our effort, and every moment of the time we give them. If there’s a greater return on spiritual investment somewhere else, I’ve yet to find it.

WE MUST

SEIZE THE DAY By Pastor Tom Harrison

Asbury exists to help others follow Jesus. Overwhelmingly, most who choose to follow Jesus begin their journey by the age of 18. Reaching

people during childhood and youth is our best “return on investment.” We want to have the best facilities and programs for children and students. If we don’t reach them for Jesus, someone will reach them with another agenda. I hoped we would build a development center when we relocated to Mingo in 2004. Though the architect told us we did not have enough acreage, this vision always stayed in my heart. After buying 14 acres north of our property, I thought, “This is where we can build our development center.” When we put in Global Gardens and the Asbury/ Union Learning Center, my vision for a development center never got off the ground. Patience is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Fifteen years later — though it won’t be in either of the two places I first imagined — I hope my original vision can become a reality. With God’s help, we will build a new student ministry center next to our gym. This reunites our 20

students by bringing them back under the same roof.

Our students will love this impressive facility, and we will be “Better Together” because of it. This frees Venue68 for new use. Venue68 provides office and meeting space (and parking) that can house a development center. This leaves the north acreage open for outdoor usage, gardens and green space.

Asbury will always be involved in relief and rehabilitation. However, our most effective work is development. Development is long-term. It is not a drive-by handout. “Methodist” is a developmental word. We are “methodical.” We are deliberate, intentional, disciplined and committed to people for a long time. We are a pastoral church connecting people of all generations over a lifetime in many ways. Our center will be Christ-focused, developmental and will be a place where Asbury volunteers can serve.

NEW PARTNER IN PROPOSED NEW DEVELOPMENT CENTER Building All Children

After completing our new student ministry building, we want to renovate the Venue. We will continue to house Restore Hope Ministry. Restore Hope helps provide the development of food and housing security. Asbury Theological Seminary opened its satellite location there about a year ago. ATS provides orthodox, Wesleyan theological development.

We have had development center conversations with two new partner organizations. We want to invite Good Samaritan to be a partner; it offers healthcare for the underserved. Additionally, we want to invite Building All Children to join us. That organization works with families and children to meet the needs of families. The Venue property has served us well, and it will serve in a new way after it is remodeled. We are excited about the opportunities God is putting together with these (and other) partners. We will continue “Helping Others Follow Jesus” in ways that are true to Asbury’s ethos. In my remaining years serving with you, I want to shoot all the arrows in my quiver. The development center is one of those arrows.

This is a crucial time for Asbury. Our commitments today will determine the vitality of our future. Join me in your prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. Let’s do so with extreme ownership and generosity. Windows of opportunities are only open for brief moments: We must seize the day. *Asbury Theological Seminary and Restore Hope are remaining in the Venue.

Founded five years ago in Tulsa, Building All Children is a unique child development program designed to help all from birth to age 12 within Tulsa county and beyond. The organization partners with families, churches, childcare programs and schools to provide social, emotional, physical and cognitive developmental assessments. Building All Children believes in the importance of early childhood intervention. They know how crucial it is for families to understand the specific stages of their children’s development, and to recognize that God uniquely builds each child. With knowledge comes power, ability and change. In order to accomplish the mission to build each child’s development and individual learning style, they assess, resource and empower families with the goal of building all children. Their academic and developmental assessments are not diagnostic, but tools that allow them and the family to better understand how each child uniquely learns. After observing and documenting the child’s strengths and areas of struggle, the staff collaboratively create an in-depth followup report of each child’s unique development that is then shared during a family conference. Each report includes findings and recommendations allowing Building All Children to resource families by connecting children — and often their family members — with specialists, therapists, counselors, physicians, academic placement advisors and other means of developmental assistance unique to their specific set of needs. Building All Children also empowers families through programs it has developed such as Building Readers, Talking is Teaching, Moms and Mentors, Biblical Counseling and playgroups. Staff frequently facilitate teacher workshops, developing education events and child development speaking engagements for schools, preschools, caregivers and child care centers. 21

NEW PARTNER Good Samaritan Health Services Good Samaritan Health Services is committed to improving medical services for the uninsured and underserved in the Tulsa area by maintaining consistent, quality, comprehensive medical care by collaborating with churches and other community partners. The organization has 12 clinic locations and operates 42 clinics each month, providing health care at more than 5,000 patient visits per year. Approximately 2,000 of its patients rely on Good Samaritan’s Mobile Medical Clinics as their primary health care provider. Good Samaritan partners with local churches and community centers to provide facilities for patient check-in, registration, vitals area, waiting rooms and volunteers. Its goal is to remove many of the barriers its patients face in accessing medical care by making treatment accessible in the neighborhoods of greatest need. According to Good Samaritan,

“We believe the local church is the hope of the world as it ministers Christ’s love and grace to those who are sick and hurting. People come to Good Samaritan Health Services to see our doctors, and our heart is for our patients to find the true Healer. We not only give our patients medications, but we also pray for their healing. They find the care they need on board our medical trucks, as our volunteers from partner churches surround them with compassion and love. Alone, our medical work is a dim light in a dying world. Through the local church, we can shine God’s love brightly to all who are in need of His healing touch.” 22

ASBURY COMMITTED TO RAISING UP CHRISTIAN DISCIPLES By Pastor Dick Read

Cindy’s and my lives changed forever on Oct. 18, 2018, as we welcomed our first grandchildren into our family. Rachel and Aaron are terrific young parents. And Uncle David and Aunt Nina are totally smitten as are we, Papa and Cici. Since Cindy and I are also pleased to have three of our four parents still alive, Jack and Fynn are the fourth living generation in our family. As I prayed over “the boys” at their recent baptism: “Heavenly Father, we praise you for we are blessed among peoples!” Soon after learning that Rachel would be the mother of twin boys, I knew she, Aaron and others would be praying the same prayers we prayed as young parents a generation ago: “Lord, make them perfect. Keep them healthy. Keep them safe.” I decided I would pray grandfather prayers, which I still do: “Lord, may Jack and Fynn know you from the youngest age. May they love you and follow you faithfully throughout their

lives. Lord, raise up these boys to make a difference for Jesus Christ and for Your Kingdom in their generation.” I want another generation of our family to be fully devoted, wholehearted followers of our Savior Jesus. Safety? Of course! Happiness? Absolutely! Health? Well, yeah! Yet, above all else, it’s Jesus. I want these boys to know, love and follow Jesus!

Asbury Church is committed to raising up Christian disciples, committed lifelong followers of Jesus. Insider language calls this “cradle to grave discipleship.” Literally, we want people to know and follow Jesus from their first breath to their very last heartbeat. Recently, Asbury leaders have called for closer ties between AsburyKids (Children’s Ministry), Asbury

HELPING OTHERS FOLLOW JESUS

Student Ministry and Adult Discipleship. I am honored to lead a staff team of leaders from each of these areas of ministry. Jesus clearly had deep affection for children in a culture that appears to have a perspective of, “Children are meant to be seen, but not heard.” Jesus exemplified that affection when his own disciplines tried to keep some children at a distance from Him. Jesus scolded those disciples with, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Far from simply tolerating children, Jesus invited them to himself and used them as an illustration of entry into the Kingdom.

AsburyKids is intentional about helping children feel known, loved and empowered. In Asbury’s desire for children to choose to follow Jesus, we teach them the stories of God’s love, of Jesus’ miraculous life and of the call of God to trust Him as their closest companion. We want our kids to know that God is faithful and trustworthy, and that God calls even children to live significantly. In telling His disciples, “Let the little children come to me,” Jesus also tells the Church to bring the children to Him. 24

Asbury Student Ministry builds on the foundation laid by AsburyKids. As our students grow in their maturity and independence, they are consistently called to place their personal dependence on Jesus Christ. Having learned the stories of scripture, Asbury Students learn how to navigate a life of Christian discipleship in their world which is more social, more complex and more adventuresome. Our students are invited, even challenged, to live missionally; that is, to live purposefully in the footsteps of Jesus that not only calls them to follow Jesus – even more – calls them to Help Others Follow Jesus. It is during the teenage years that significant steps are taken in discipleship that will impact one’s entire life. Adult disciples often settle into a learning-more routine, often seeing discipleship as Bible study and spiritual growth. And indeed, growing in biblical knowledge and spiritual disciplines (worship, Bible reading, prayer, giving, etc.) are necessary, even fundamental practices. At the same time, adult disciples must remember that when we gave our lives to Jesus Christ, maybe even years ago, we gave our lives to Jesus Christ.

One of my favorite, connected set of stories is found in Matthew 4 and John 21. Luke tells of Jesus calling Peter and Andrew – just a day or two after meeting Him – to walk away from their fishing business to “Follow me and I will make you fishers for men.” Some three years and “a lot of water under the bridge” later, the Gospel of John reveals that just before Jesus left Peter for the last time, Jesus looked Peter directly in the face and reminded him, “You follow me.”

Regardless of how long you have known Jesus, the call of Jesus remains: Follow me. We follow Jesus as we seek Him further in prayer, in Bible study and in spiritual disciplines. We follow Him as we open our hearts and lives and spaces in welcoming others into our Christian community. We follow Jesus in our worship, praise and adoration of Him. And we follow Jesus as we engage in the ministry to which he has commissioned us, “Go make disciples of all … .” The fundamental practice of Christian discipleship is inviting others to follow Jesus with us, to

“Help Others Follow Jesus.” In your own life as a follower of Jesus Christ, I invite you to engage in a community of Christian discipleship. Jesus’ call is beyond individualism in our faith; Jesus calls us collectively to follow Him together. Involve your children fully in the tremendous opportunities provided through AsburyKids. Students and teenagers, Asbury Students is on the move and making a massive difference in a lot of very positive ways. Adults, please consider getting connected and fully involved in one of Asbury’s Discipleship Communities, in an active ministry group, a Bible study, home small group and/or a missions focus team. Whether you are closer to your first heartbeat or your final breath, Jesus voice still beckons as he did with Peter: “You follow me.”

HELPING OTHERS FOLLOW JESUS

In Asbury’s Adult Discipleship we are constantly reminded of Jesus’ call.

Better Together in a Community of Communities Pastor James Lambert

My name is James Lambert and I’m the new Pastor of Adult Discipleship here at Asbury. Most of you have not met me yet, but I look forward to meeting you. I say that to you not just as individuals, or even as families – I look forward to meeting the people of Asbury as a community of communities. I’m told there are 29 Adult Discipleship Communities here, ranging in size from fewer than 10 to more than 100. My first order of business will be meeting you all and getting a feel for the personality of each group. Besides our ADCs I know there are many other affinity groups that make up our local expression of the Body of Christ, from our Lifecare ministries, to 26

women’s and men’s groups, to our musical ensembles, seniors and young adult ministries and more.

It is the connections we make in these groups which help us grow as disciples of Jesus Christ. Our experience “working out our salvation” in these small and not-so-small groups, and holding one another up in prayer, goes hand-in-hand with our weekly gathering to worship and praise the Lord, causing the life of Christ within us to grow. I myself have experienced the grace of discipleship groups at four primary points in my life. The first was in late high school when I became involved in a Bible

study led by a friend and involving youth from several different churches. That group showed me I could seek the Lord on my own volition and in the company of trusted friends week-in and week-out. The next was in church camps where I saw the power of short-term groups which can facilitate an encounter with the Holy Spirit that can change a person’s direction for the long term. The next was at the Wesley Foundation at OU, where I experienced at once both the power of shortterm and ongoing small groups, along with the feeling of a “spiritual home base,” a place I could go where people would always point me back to Jesus.

worship service. I am grateful for those six years serving among some amazing people at Faith UMC. My wife Christine and I are grateful now that we get to begin a new season of ministry without moving our household. Most of Christine’s family lives in Tulsa or Broken Arrow and we enjoy being near them. We have a 4-year-old daughter, Naomi, and a 6-yearold foster daughter whom we care for, supported by United Methodist Circle of Care. The girls love it here at Asbury already. Everyone is warm and welcoming to them. Christine and I keep meeting people we know from past seasons in our lives as well, which contributes to our feeling at home in this community of faith. We look forward now to many years

A little later, in seminary, I was part of a smaller group, what early Methodists of service to the Lord Jesus Christ with called a “Band Meeting,” with my our Asbury family! roommates and a couple other fellow students. We held each other up in prayer each week, fasted together, met together and shared our struggles, sins, joys and learnings. These experiences have shown me there are different kinds of groups for different places along the way of salvation and the journey of holiness. There is a verse in 1 Peter 2 where the apostle refers to the Church as “living stones, being built up as a spiritual house … to offer up sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” As a pastor at Asbury, I will do my best to help you build up that spiritual house. We will build it stone by stone, and the stones will be not just individuals, but the groups whose members continually help one another grow as Christians.

I am an ordained deacon in the United Methodist Church and I come to Asbury after six years as Associate Pastor of Discipleship at Faith United Methodist Church on 91st Street, right here in Tulsa. My role at that church included aspects very similar to my new role at Asbury – seeking to grow and strengthen our ongoing discipleship groups while developing a series of short-term groups to grow us as disciples and equip us to fulfil God’s mission. In addition to that, I led the other discipleship staff and led the music and praise team for Faith’s contemporary

HOSPITALITY AT THE NORTH ENTRANCE By Lauren Brown, Guest Services Coordinator

The North Entry is a very busy entrance on Sunday mornings. Asbury will be building a covered area with a turnaround and drop-off and pick-up area. The goal is to make a more user-friendly access by creating a shorter walk to the doors, a safer area for golf carts and cars, and ample shade for volunteers waiting to open the doors, to shake hands with members and guests. The north entrance serves many who attend Sunday services, as well as those who are coming for adult discipleship communities or volunteering. With the new Asbury Student Center, there will be even more guests, students and families using the north entrance and parking lot so being able to get closer and covered is an added extra needed point of hospitality. “We also have an increasing number of people using the north door with real mobility challenges. This is the door closest to this age group’s communities, so the new awning should really help our safety,” said Ed Miller, greeting captain. “Also, as we run two of our golf carts in the north parking lot, the new turnaround and awning will help with the flow of traffic for drop off and pick up.”

Right now, the north parking lot lacks the proper covering and is several feet away from the curb for those who need a little extra help getting into the building and during inclement weather. “When it rains, they like having a covering, especially while they wait to be picked up. In the sun, they appreciate the extra shade,” said Karen Kendall, greeting captain. Remember, it is always someone’s first Sunday at Asbury. We can have up to eight new guests each week. Our mission, “Helping Others Follow Jesus,” starts in the parking lot at all three entrances to the church. When a guest leaves Asbury, we want them to think, “Wow! That was a great start to my week, I can’t wait to come back next Sunday.” The Guest Services Team is always looking for passionate volunteers who will open doors with a big smile and extend a hand to shake. Upgrading our north entrance will make a big impact on the way we serve our guests. It will show our guests that we value them and want to make it easier and safer to access the church whether we have rain, snow or —intense sun even on a beautiful Sunday morning.

ATS Serves Servants of Christ By Allison Gardner, Tulsa Site Coordinator

Asbury Theological Seminary was founded in 1923 by H.C. Morrison with a class of three students and an audacious seal that declared, “The whole Bible for the whole world.” President Timothy C. Tennent leads Asbury Seminary in its mission “to prepare theologically educated, sanctified, Spirit-filled men and women to evangelize and to spread scriptural holiness throughout the world.” Asbury Theological Seminary is a multidenominational graduate school committed to teaching the unchanging truth of orthodox Christianity. Traditionally Wesleyan, Asbury Seminary welcomes more than 1,600 students from more than 90 denominations and 40 countries. The seminary’s locations in Memphis, Tulsa, Kentucky, Orlando and online afford students the ability to pursue their degrees in a residential, cohort or online class that incorporates residential intensives.

Almost 100 years later, the seminary has more than 11,000 graduates serving in every time zone around the world through social justice initiatives, government, art, mission organizations, education and the church. Alumni of the seminary serve around the world in 77 countries, all 50 states and in more than 157 denominations. As the Tulsa site coordinator, I like to say I “serve the servants of Christ.” Of course, ministry is about more than serving fellow Christian brothers and sisters, but I feel a special honor in actively working to help equip and educate followers of Christ in this region. By providing support through academic advising, friendly encouragement and behind-thescenes prayer, I believe God is using me here as He transforms the hearts of our Tulsa site students who are growing in their knowledge and faith through intentional seminary education.

Asbury Seminary Tulsa Now Enrolling for Fall 2019

LEARN MORE AT EXPERIENCE ASBURY DAY, SEPTEMBER 12 • OCTOBER 25 • NOVEMBER 23 SIGN UP AT ASBURY.TO/VISIT

Questions? Contact Allison Gardner, Tulsa Site Coordinator at allison.gardner@asburyseminary.edu or 918.392.4590. Visit asbury.to/tulsa for more information. 29

“The good leave an inheritance to their children’s children” Proverbs 13:22a 30

BETTER TOGETHER for Generations to Come By Pastor Guy Ames

Over the years as young pastors in smaller churches, Pastor Tom and I would regularly talk about whether our churches would meet budget by year’s end. The bigger question was almost always whether our churches would be able to complete paying out our United Methodist apportionments. Apportionments are the portion that each church pays into the Oklahoma United Methodist Church to cover expenses, salaries and missional costs for the larger church. To fall short would be an embarrassment, especially for a younger pastor. Our early churches were fortunate to finish the year in the black, much less have any carryover for the coming year. Our churches lived month-tomonth. Tom’s comments that December struck me so that I have always remembered how important planning for future ministry is. “Guy, I just heard from our business administrator who told me that we still owe a huge amount on our apportionments.” Worried for him, I told Tom how sorry I was for him. Then he added. “But he also told me not to worry because we had $1 million in reserves.”

For years before Tom took the reins of Asbury, Pastor Mason had stewarded funds for future generations. Rather

years became resources to assist Tom and a new generation of leaders to carry Asbury forward.

“Better Together” is not only looking to our present needs but also looking to the future as we build our church endowment, the Asbury Foundation. Our goal of $3 million to strengthen our capital endowment will allow future leaders to tend to the needs of our campus without straining resources devoted to ministry and mission. The funds donated to this endowment will be invested forever (or until Christ’s return) so the interest earned can be used to assist future maintenance needs of both building and property. A $3 million endowment will provide at least $150,000 for upkeep, maintenance, new furnishings, repairs and remodeling every year forever. Your gifts toward our Better Together Endowment along with others’ gifts will continue to serve Christ’s ministry for years to come. Someday the story will be told how the dreamers in 2019 provided richly for ministry for years and years to come. Our commitment today will indeed leave an inheritance for our spiritual children’s, children’s children and generations to come.

than fret over the next offering, Asbury was prepared to meet the next challenge. I have often thought of this conversation while witnessing Tom’s leadership, taking Asbury to a new level. Those savings tucked away over Pastor Mason’s 29

Not my will, but His Will By Pastor Robert S. Duran Sr.

My long journey into pastoral ministry began with serving as a certified lay speaker (now known as lay servant). I was preaching occasionally in small churches, and then became the director of Lay Speaking Ministries for the old McAlester District. My district superintendent surprised me by asking me to serve as a supply pastor for a very small rural church about an hour away from home â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Rocky Point United Methodist Church in Latimer County. While serving at Rocky Point UMC, I sold the family insurance agency in McAlester and began working as an adjunct instructor at Murray State College, a 2-year community college in Tishomingo. I was teaching business courses (economics, finance, accounting, marketing) and my soon-to-be wife, Brenda, was the grant writer for the college.

It was at this point in my life that God led Brenda and me to the Walk to Emmaus, a ministry of The Upper 32

Room a global ministry of The United Methodist Church, dedicated to supporting the spiritual formation of Christians seeking to know and experience God more fully. The Upper Room may be best known for publishing the daily devotional guide of the same name. The name for this experience of Christian spiritual renewal comes from the story of the two disciples walking from Jerusalem to the village of Emmaus on the day of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ: That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. (Lk. 24:13-15 ESV)

It begins with a three-day short course in Christianity; following that retreat experience, participants are joined in small groups to support each other in their ongoing walk with Christ.

The practice of formational process of accountable discipleship in small groups was a hallmark of the early Methodists. It was the Walk to Emmaus that exposed me most fully not only to the powerful Wesleyan/ Methodist tradition of small groups, but also to Wesleyan Theology (in particular, Prevenient Grace, Justifying Grace and Sanctifying Grace).

It was the small “reunion” group that brought me to fully understand the true meaning of “Better Together.” Such Methodist groups always include prayer, Bible study, mutual encouragement and fellowship — but the emphasis is mutual accountability to each other. Early Methodists asked the question, “How is it with your soul?” “Lone Ranger” Christians are unknown to Methodists, because John Wesley was committed to the truth that we are better together. After a year of teaching as an adjunct instructor, I applied for the vacant instructor position I had been filling as an adjunct. Having been elected Teacher of the Year, I convinced myself that it was God’s Will that I serve as a part-time (bi-vocational) licensed local pastor serving small rural churches and as a full-time teacher at Murray. When I did not get the job, I was devastated.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jer. 29:11 ESV) With the encouragement of that wonderful small group, we prayed — thanking God for removing the obstacle that had seemed so perfect to me — so that His Perfect Will might be done in my life. Soon, my district superintendent called to ask if I was ready to serve as a full-time local pastor, and my life has never been the same! Instead of dwelling on what I saw as a terrible personal failure, my small group of believers and disciples supported me and then shared with me that God had something far better for me. Beyond my own limited vision which could not imagine that God might be able to use a second-career, part-time, licensed local pastor in full-time pastoral ministry!

Thanks be to God! At Asbury I will be primarily making hospital visits, as well as teaching some as invited or assigned. Hospital visitation is an area of ministry I find especially wonderful. I began serving as the primary hospital visits pastor on July 1. Through the next six months, I am scheduled to teach in the Believers, Mariners, Christ-Centered Singles and the Christian Explorers communities, and am working with other communities for scheduling.

Sharing my personal devastation and deep disappointment with my Emmaus Reunion Group, my dear brother and friend Dale Sullivan, an elderly, part-time, licensed local pastor, jumped up and began dancing around the room, praising God. Shocked at Dale’s lack of compassion for my suffering, I berated my friend. But then Dale explained that God had something far better for my life than what I had dreamed up myself.

HOW I WANT TO FINISH

By Pastor Tom Harrison

People ask, “How were you called into the ministry?” I do not recall any specific moment when God said, “You are called into vocational ministry.” Rather, the day after graduating from Will Rogers High School, I moved to the First United Methodist Church in Marlow to be their youth director. I was 17. I served in youth ministry all during college; the next natural step was seminary. Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky was a perfect fit. After graduation, I returned to Oklahoma and went west to Vici/Lenora, then east to Sallisaw, then to the Oklahoma City area (Del City). I always loved the people and the settings where I served and good things happened. Dana and I moved back to Tulsa in June 1993 to join you in ministry at Asbury. The Lord blessed this congregation through the excellent leadership of Bill and Jayne Mason. I happened to be at the right place and the right time to follow them. When people asked me to describe my vision for Asbury, my honest response was, “I just hope I’m still here this time next year.” Sometimes just surviving is a major accomplishment. I had no idea if we would make it. Serving this congregation for more than 26 years has been far better than we could ever have thought or imagined. We are so grateful for our years in ministry and so profoundly grateful for having the privilege to grow, build and serve with you. A question people ask now is, “How do you want to finish at Asbury?” My heart-felt response is, “I want to set the table for my successor as well as Bill Mason did for me.” How can I do that?

1.) Have the best facility possible for worship, discipleship and outreach 2.) Have the strongest financial foundation possible 3.) Recruit, train and equip the staff and our governance to lead our congregation If successful, our three-year “Better Together” capital funds campaign will be my best effort to accomplish these objectives. In particular, I want to bring our students back to our main building. If 85 percent of people give their lives to Christ before they are 18 years old, the best evangelism strategy is in children’s and student ministry. Among others, this one is close to my heart. The Lord has blessed me with good health. I have great energy (go with me to Israel – you’ll see). I feel better about what is happening at Asbury now than I have in years. There are so many positive indicators. We are certainly not claiming perfection — as we will always have challenges—but life is good for us right now. The Lord willing, I will be with you throughout this time and we can move into the next phase of ministry for the Lord Jesus, for Asbury and for me and Dana, with strength and vigor. I am optimistic about Asbury’s future. I believe our best is yet to come.

The Asbury Foundation – A Legacy of Love By Pastor Guy Ames What legacy will you leave? Rarely do I officiate a memorial service that I don’t wonder what will be said of me at my closing days. I wonder what my children will most recall; what legacy will be left to my grandchildren? Nancy came to Asbury while still in her mid-40s. Still a relatively small church with a youngish Bill Mason as pastor, she found her home at Asbury. She became deeply invested in the mission work of Asbury traveling over the course of 20 years to Mexico, Estonia, Ukraine and Ecuador. At home, she threw herself into the leadership of local outreach Happy Hands, a ministry working with children who are hearing impaired. Widowed for many years, Nancy gave herself to ministry, fellowship and learning. In her late 80s, she enrolled in and passed the rigorous Disciple Bible Study. Nancy never had a lot of money, and as a result of her upbringing she found uses for things that most of us would throw away. As a saver on a very limited budget, Nancy made sure she always supported her church financially. So we weren’t surprised, when after her sudden death, we heard from her son that she had left a bequest of $17,000 for our Global Mission Endowment. Nancy had benefited from others’ generosity whenever she would go on a Volunteer In Mission trip, so when she considered her last gift to the church, she wanted to bless others. Nancy left a legacy of serving, both through the memories we share of her life but also through this gift which will continue to serve Christ through our Global Mission Endowment, enabling others to serve, supporting projects, touching lives. Have you ever considered leaving a tithe of your savings or estate to the Asbury Foundation as part of your legacy? Did you know that by making a gift directly like this from your investments, IRA, 401k or other savings that you not only provide for future generations but you might benefit from tax savings as well? I love these words from Psalm 145: 4-5 One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty— and I will meditate on your wonderful works.

What will be your legacy? 36

MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES

10 Brad & Julie Barlow

Rus & Pam Wallace

John & Ginna Langston

Burt & Linda Fleeger

55 Greg & Jan Schueller

Chuck & Janeen Atkins

60 Harold & Donna Brantley

Easter & Carolyn Moore

Carl & Sue Richards

John & Glenna Taylor

Gary & Ruth Beatie

55 Wallace & Carolyn Wall

Bob & Kathi Avey

Jerry & Ann Oxley

Kent & Sandi Gardner

60 Jim & Judy Parker

55 Warren & Sandy Gandall

Steve & Ann Zenthoefer

Bill & Jennifer Roark

50 Roger & Dixie McClain

Bob & Marcia McCoy

Glen & Charlene Ravens

65 Bill & Phyllis Taylor

Ralph & Marion Daugherty

65 YEARS

55 YEARS (cont.)

40 YEARS

Bill & Phyllis Taylor Ralph & Marion Daugherty

Greg & Jan Schueller Jerry & Ann Oxley John & Glenna Taylor Kent & Sandi Gardner Wallace & Carolyn Wall Warren & Sandy Gandall

Rus & Pam Wallace

60 YEARS Carl & Sue Richards Gary & Ruth Beatie Glen & Charlene Ravens Harold & Donna Brantley Jim & Judy Parker

55 YEARS... Chuck & Janeen Atkins Easter & Carolyn Moore

50 YEARS

35 YEARS John & Ginna Langston

10 YEARS Brad & Julie Barlow

Bill & Jennifer Roark Bob & Kathi Avey Bob & Marcia McCoy Burt & Linda Fleeger Roger & Dixie McClain Steve & Ann Zenthoefer 37

NEW MEMBERS

Darcie Anderson

Jonathan & Christa with Andrew, Nathan and David Bartlett

Richard and Myrna Beck

Nick & Jennifer Berens

Richard Berschauer

Debbi Boonstra

Jim & Karen Brakey

Molly Breshears

Connie Brown

Jim & Gloria Campos

Jerry & Janis Champion

Mark & Teresa Cochran

Sharon Conley

Daniel & Sara with Grayson and Hudson Cook

Barbara Creekmore

Daniel & Mindy with Ruth, Mckenna and Brick Dennison

Candice (Candy) Dressler

Lyle Dusenberg

Rachel with Jaxson Eubanks

Barry & Melanie Fugatt

Sharon Gleason

Bob & Janena Golightly

Carlos & Arlene Fernandez Gomez

Gordy & Charlotte Guest

Erica & Chris Hall

Jeevan & Beula with Pravachan and Lekha Patra

Bryan Hays

Monica & Samantha Phillips

Jesse Johnston

Joyce (Joy) Lisenbee

Gene and Diane Martin

Lisa Oliver

Daniel Rink

Leslie Robinson

Al Snider

Frank Tulino & Ruti Campos-Tulino

Howard & Emily with Howard Jr. And Eleanor Vernon

Carl & Kara Vincent

Regina Wilcox

DEATHS Bob Land Died 3-13-19 Husband of Evelyn Land

Michael (Mike) Lohrenz Died 4-28-19 Husband of Chris Lohrenz

Percy Mizelle Died 3-19-19 Father of Glen Mizelle

Janet Charvat Died 5-1-19 Mother of Jack (& Lisa) Charvat

Oneta Roles Died 3-24-19 Mother of Trisha (& Ricky) Rowlan and LaNeta (& Len) Smith

Don Herrold Died 5-4-19 Husband of Mary Herrold

Beverly Coker Died 3-24-19 John (Vic) Goodknight Died 4-2-19 James Vanderbeek Died 4-2-19 Husband of Barbara Vanderbeek Gary Dean Mills Died 4-3-19 Husband of Monika Mills

John William Cleary Died 5-21-19 Father of Brie Neil Ella Broyles-Lain Died 5-25-19 Mother of Nancy (& Mark) Gotcher Lois Landram Nowlin Died 6-11-19 Mother of Van (& Janice) Nowlin

Ilene Bird Died 6-17-19 Mother of Karen (& Danny) Meecher Todd Russell Died 6-22-19 Son of Natalie Russell Sara Disney Died 7-9-19 Daughter of Ed Disney Joey Dills Died 7-15-19 Husband of Shelia Dills Edwin (Ed) Disney Died 7-20-19 Father of Brandon Disney & Emilie Disney Marie C. Smith Died 7-20-19 Mother of Jan (& Phil) Odom

Richard Fuchs Died 6-18-19 Husband of Carolyn Fuchs

Ruth Helen (Doode) Blazer Died 7-22-19

Clay Schroepfer Died 4-4-19 Father of Mary Ann Lawrence and Claire Schroepfer

Edward (Ed) Voorhees Died 6-18-19 Husband of Geri Voorhees

Harry Kincaid Died 7-26-19 Father of Michelle Kincaid

Denise Bahler Died 4-20-19 Spouse of Larry Bahler

Jana Kiser Died 6-21-19 Wife of George Kiser

Ron Hanna Died 8-11-19 Husband of Margaret (Peggy) Hanna

Dorothy (Dottie) Elliott Died 4-23-19 Mother of Nancy Farrell

Edmund Hepner Died 6-19-19 Husband of Diana Hepner 39

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